Animal Migration: A Synthesis

E.J. Milner-Gulland, John M. Fryxell, and Anthony R.E. Sinclair

Abstract

This book takes a comparative, integrated view of migration, linking evolution with ecology and management, theory with empirical research, and embracing all the major migratory taxa (including humans). The scope extends beyond the target organism to consider the ecosystem-level dynamics of migration. Rather than simply reviewing the field of migration as it stands today, the book highlights the lacunae in our knowledge and understanding. The emphasis is on exciting new research avenues that are now opening up, whether because of advances in our understanding of migration as a biological pheno ... More

This book takes a comparative, integrated view of migration, linking evolution with ecology and management, theory with empirical research, and embracing all the major migratory taxa (including humans). The scope extends beyond the target organism to consider the ecosystem-level dynamics of migration. Rather than simply reviewing the field of migration as it stands today, the book highlights the lacunae in our knowledge and understanding. The emphasis is on exciting new research avenues that are now opening up, whether because of advances in our understanding of migration as a biological phenomenon or through the availability of a range of new technologies. Broad themes that emerge include smoothly integrating migration into the broad spectrum of movement behaviour; the need for a comparative and cross-taxonomic approach that considers migration at a range of temporal and spatial scales; and examination of the key roles of resource uncertainty and spatial heterogeneity in driving migratory behaviour. The chapters identify the potential for new tools to revolutionise the study of migration, including satellite-tracking technology, genomics and modelling – all of which are linked to increasing computing power. There is a current dearth of hypothesis-driven studies that fully integrate theory and empirical analyses, and a taxonomic bias towards birds in much migration research; both of these issues need to be resolved if we are to progress. We are on the verge of a breakthrough in migration research, which is crucial given the multiple threats that face the conservation of migration as a phenomenon, including climate change.

E.J. Milner-Gulland, John M. Fryxell, and Anthony R.E. Sinclair

End Matter

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